The Leica M11-D, launched earlier today, is the culmination of ten years of development of the concept of a screenless rangefinder. Many will consider this to be the best digital rangefinder they have ever used. It comes with quite a history.
M edition 60
Ten years ago, in September 2014 Leica introduced the M Edition 60 designed by Audi. This limited edition model was to celebrate 60 years of the M camera (since the original M3 was announced in 1954).
This was no ‘ordinary’ special edition though, Leica had removed the LCD rear screen and replaced it with an ISO dial – in their words:
Reduced to only the essential camera features, the Leica M Edition 60 is the first digital camera to concentrate exclusively on the bare functions required for digital photography – shutter speed, aperture, focusing and ISO sensitivity. This is also the reason for the replacement of the camera’s display with an ISO selector dial. For reasons of quality, exposures are saved as raw data in DNG format. Working with the Leica M Edition 60 intentionally demands the same care and attention as working with an analogue model. Only the sensor and the entire electronics reflect the state of the art of contemporary camera technology.
M-D (typ 262)
The M edition 60 caused enough interest for Leica to get more serious about the concept and in April 2016, the Leica M-D (typ 262) was introduced. The camera was technically identical to the Leica M (typ 262), a quieter and cheaper version of the M (typ 240) with the video options removed.
With the M-D, you shot in Auto White balance and the camera recorded only DNG files. The only way to look at the images was to remove the SD card from the camera and look at the files on a computer. I was not offered one to test at the time, and being limited to Auto White Balance was enough of a turn-off to stop me buying one.
M10-D
The M10-D was released in October 2018, and I was much more involved in the testing, and also discussions about the design, including an exciting dinner in London looking at an early mock-up.
The M10-D had a wind-on lever to use as a thumb grip, an exposure compensation dial (rather than an ISO wheel) on the back. It also had the special quiet shutter of the M10-P. Although the faux wind-on lever caused quite a lot of dispute on the forums (and in my family!) the camera was, and still is, a real favourite with many photographers. I have just searched around the internet and found only two for sale, and both of them for more than £6000, for a six-year-old camera!
The M10-D was a more practical camera than the typ 262. It had the option of attaching the Visoflex electronic viewfinder, and you could also connect to the camera over Wi-Fi and look at the images on your phone in Fotos (albeit very slowly).
If you would like to know more about the camera, you can read about it here: https://www.slack.co.uk/m10-d.html.
Leica M11-D: Introduction
This brings us to the M11-D which has been announced today (September 12th 2024).
This time Leica have made rather a different camera, they have abandoned the faux wind-on lever (which will disappoint some people and please others). They have also removed the ISO dial from the top left of the M11 body and made a black, tactile, stainless-steel ISO dial on the backplate (just like so many film bodies). Exposure compensation can be assigned to the thumb dial in the same way as with the M11.
It’s a lovely object, and at first sight it certainly seems like a perfect example of Das Wesentliche (the essential) with its minimal design, and only dials for shutter speed and ISO (just like a film M).
What’s new, what’s better?
On the other hand, the camera has all the technical advantages of the M11 and M11-P over the M10:
- Integral baseplate improves weather sealing and strength
- New black paint option is very resilient with grippy finish
- Aluminium top plate makes it significantly lighter
- Battery with 700 shot CIPA standard (modest!)
- 256Gb of very fast internal memory (like the M11-P)
- Faster Maestro III processor
- 60mp Back Side Illuminated sensor with excellent dynamic range
- Full-time off-sensor metering
- Electronic Shutter (up to 1/16,000 sec)
- USB-C Charging,
- PTP and Apple MFI connectivity using USB-C port
- Improved Fotos app allowing filtering selections and tethering
- New well-constructed EVF with bigger and brighter image (like Q2)
- Variable DNG size (18.4mp, 36.5mp and 60.3mp)
- Leica Content Credentials (Like the M11-P)
- Full-time Geotagging via Fotos and Bluetooth
If you would like to read more about these advantages, you can look at my articles on the M11 and the M11-P.
Since the release of the M10-D six years ago, Leica have taken a leap forward in terms of connectivity. Although the M11-D is just as much a ‘back to basics’ camera, unlike its predecessors, it really can be used in situations where more visibility is necessary. This makes the new Leica M11-D much more feasible as an only camera. I’m going to look at this in more detail in the rest of this article.
The Body
The M11-D is only available in the same black finish as the M11 and M11-P with the lighter weight aluminium top plate. There is no chrome/brass option this time. Personally, I think it would be lovely in black paint, but the matt black is certainly very handsome.
From the front it looks exactly like the M11-P with a screw instead of the red dot of the M11. The baseplate is also identical.
The top plate is the same as the black M11-P, complete with Leica logo and the single function button. However, the ISO dial on the top left has been removed.
The backplate has just the large ISO dial; simplicity itself.
The new ISO dial is beautifully made, you turn the inside to point to the relevant ISO value. And it requires two thumbs to turn easily, which means that it doesn’t get changed accidentally.
Why the Leica M11-D?
Well, the point of the M11-D and the previous D cameras is to mirror the operation of a film camera as much as is possible, to put off the moment of gratification when you actually look at your images. To stop the distracting practice of chimping. This is the point where Das Wesentliche stops being a slogan, and really seems to be Leica’s intention with the M series.
I’ve seen people saying ‘but you can just turn off the LCD‘, which, in effect, is the same as the argument against the Monochrom: ‘but you can just convert to black and white in Lightroom‘. In literal terms, both statements are true. But it just isn’t the same thing as putting yourself in the position where you cannot chimp (or have a colour image).
To be honest, I don’t do a great deal of chimping when I shoot, but not being able to do it is quite different. It seems to help focus on taking the pictures and getting a proper flow of concentration.
In retrospect, the M10-D with the faux winder and exposure compensation on the back (instead of ISO) seems charming, although perhaps a little gimmicky, but the M11-D really does inherit the spirit of the Leica M film cameras. Only the function button on the top plate is a reflection of the modern age. Superficially, the M10-D might be thought of as fun, and the M11-D perhaps a touch serious. But still, when you shoot with the camera, it really does help you to concentrate on the image and not the camera.
The Function Button (Part 1 — Settings)
The function button is used for several operations:
- Resetting the camera to factory conditions
- Setting the camera for connection to Fotos
- Cleaning the sensor
- Updating the Firmware
- Changing the USB Mode
- Setting the date and time
There are different timed presses and combinations with the thumb wheel which make these work. I have to look them up every time. However, that’s because you only really need to use them on first setting up the camera.
The Function Button (Part 2 — Information)
Looking through the viewfinder and pressing the function button sequentially provides you with information regarding the current condition of the camera:
in order:
- Remaining photos
- Remaining battery charge in %
- USB Mode (apple mfi/ptp)
- Memory mode
- Connectivity
- Leica content credentials
- Wi-Fi Mode
The Leica M11-D with Fotos
Fotos has really matured over the last year or so into a useful front-end for a Leica workflow.
The camera has a low powered Bluetooth connection which allows for Geotagging and time synchronisation. If you connect via Wi-Fi and leave it connected, then the images previews will be transferred quickly to the device gallery, allowing you to look at images immediately. This seems to have little effect on the excellent battery life.
I’ve started using Fotos as my first step in transferring images to my Lightroom catalogue. Currently this works only for 50 images at a time (but it works very well).
Image selection and transfer to Lightroom
I don’t want these images to go into my Apple Photos app. This can be done quite straightforwardly by choosing the ‘share’ button rather than the ‘download’ button.
I go through the images on my iPad, marking favourites, then I limit to favourites using the filter and choose select all — press the share button and the full sized DNG files are downloaded to the iPad.
I then choose Lightroom to share to, and the images are rapidly transferred to Lightroom. You can then go into Lightroom mobile / Imports and use the ‘Add To’ button. Then add the images to the collection of your choice.
You could skip Fotos and import directly to Lightroom, but the preview is nothing like as good as it is in Fotos.
Camera Settings in Fotos
The Camera Settings section allows fairly detailed configuration possibilities for setting up the M11-D:
Currently, the following options are available, and are transferred to the camera just about instantly. This may be updated with future firmware / Fotos updates.
CAMERA
- Leica Content Credentials
- Lens Detection
- Drive Mode
- Noise Reduction
- Exposure Metering
- Shutter Type
PHOTO
- File Format
- White Balance
- DNG Resolution
- Self-timer
- JPG Settings
CAMERA SETTINGS
- Camera Standby
- Auto Review
- Maximum Auto ISO
- USB Charging
- M-ISO
- Maximum Exposure Time
- Firmware
Quite a lot of this was available with the M10-D and Fotos, but back then the connection was rather unreliable and much slower than with the M11-D. Personally, I would like to see User Profiles which could then be selected using the function button, but to be fair, the current selection suits basic requirements very well.
The Leica M11-D with the Visoflex 2
I feel that using the Visoflex is perhaps rather against the spirit of the M11-D. On the other hand, it allows you to use the close-up function on some recent lenses and perhaps for focusing wide open with some high-speed lenses.
Superficially the Visoflex works just as it would on an M11, you can set the Auto Review time in Fotos (or switch it off). However, there is currently no ‘Play’ mode, so you can’t use the Visoflex to scroll through images on the camera. I actually think this is a good thing, but for some it might seem a missed opportunity (although presumably it’s something which could be added late).
There are the four basic display profiles, and you can use the function button to cycle between them. The profiles have increasing amounts of information, including focus peaking and the level gauge. Currently, these profiles cannot be changed, although that might be possible in later firmware iterations.
Using the Leica M11-D as a primary camera
With previous -D cameras I felt that, lovely as they were, you couldn’t really use them as a primary camera there are times when you really do need to know whether you have nailed the shot or not. It’s all very well setting your camera up the way you want and leaving it, but every so often you need to change something unexpectedly (White Balance or Drive mode, for instance).
I wrote about this regarding the M10-D in my article on its release, where I came to the conclusion that there really were times when it wasn’t okay (a Greek Christening, for instance!).
With the M11-D, I’ve not found the limitations irritating in any situation, but I have frequently found that those same limitations got me concentrating more on what I was shooting and thinking less about the camera.
Conclusion
Ever since I’ve been working with Leica I’ve been impressed by their real dedication to minimalism; in trying to make photographic tools which are not simply computers taking pictures.
At the same time, they have embraced new technologies. The sensor in the M11 is one of the very best available currently. And Leica are trailblazers in the Content Credentials movement.
This camera is a perfect example of both of these approaches. With no more controls than a film camera, it really does embrace minimalism. On the other hand, they have incorporated excellent connectivity with Fotos, Content Credentials, variable sized DNG files and so much more.
The M11-D is also a real return to basics — the faux winder is gone and the rear cover exposure compensation dial is now an ISO dial (as it should be).
It might not be the camera for everyone. But this time I think Leica have got it right and for some people it will be the only M camera they need.
View more images from Jonathan Slack
Review of the M10-D
Macfilos comment on the M10-D
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I can’t unsee that magenta cast in the sky. It’s a shame they can’t dial in a better color curve like older models.
Surely you just do that in Lightroom?
Yes, I had read about this in the leica forums, but it’s very obvious on these images.
I would have to make a profile for this camera, the colour is very different to my M240 and SL2-S.
Hi there Paul
I really think the sky colour is accurate. Whilst I am also sure that many other cameras make the skies much too cyan. I can see the blue sky out of the window here and it exactly matches the colour of the sky in the dog photo just above here.
All the best
Jono
Thank you for an excellent review.
Now I’d long for a M-D Monochrome !
My pleasure Gerard
Best
Jono
As a pro with 50 years experience- here’s my say – this is an awfully expensive toy. Digital chimping rose photography to a new level , without it there’s too much unnecessary guesswork . It’s better to concentrate on creative tasks than guessing if you caught a moment or if your web is right or whether the composition is absolutely good.
You are quite right. It is awfully expensive and totally unnecessary. But that won’t stop people buying it. It’s good we have choice and if the Hyphen Dee pleases a few people, then that’s their good fortune!
Hi, I disagree that it is a toy. It is a professional grade tool. It is expensive but then so are exotic cars and watches. Nothing beats its craftmanship – I have actually owned a number of Leica rangefinders and SL series cameras and clearly saw the difference. I wish my other cameras came close on Leica’s craftmanship. Price soars as you reach perfection but those that can afford it they are blessed with options that do not disappoint if the tool fits their needs.
Hi There. Whilst I agree that digital chimping ‘Rose photography to a new level’. I don’t think this is a toy. Sure, if you are going to shoot a wedding or a corporate event it isn’t the right answer . . . . But if a camera changes your way of shooting, then of course it changes the results, sometimes for the better. . . . Maybe the years of chimping have actually taught us to know better what we are doing, and a camera like this can set us free to concentrate on the subject without the distraction of unnecessarily checking on what we already know is right.
Best
Jono
A competent review of a niche camera. I wish I could buy other cameras that eliminated the video aspect to simplify my camera.
Your images are lovely but the black and white portrait is particularly evocative and stunning for me.
Coming from decades of film photography including medium format where we could not bang off countless images, chimp, or have a second film copy ( second memory card). I find chimping takes me out of the zone. I have never experienced a memory card failure and so many people WORRY about this and will not purchase a camera without it.
I love the simplicity of this camera! It is easy to FOCUS on the art of photography rather than wonder what a computer with a lens attached is doing. I basically program my cameras to be essentially a film camera with autofocus. However, I do not mind if someone uses the computer mode of cameras; that is their choice – just do not ask me to explain your camera.
Agreed, Brian. My M11-D is waiting for when I return London on the 21st. Looking forward to it.
Thank you Brian – I’m glad you enjoyed the snaps, that’s what I care about most! I do think it’s an interesting camera, and it’s great that Leica stick their necks out to produce cameras like this and the monochrom.
Thank you Jono!
I only chimp these days when I really need to – like portraits or product shoots where I need to see where shadows fall. I guess you can see this immediately with the Viso, but not afterwards until files are off-loaded.
O/w really I use my M10s and M11P as though they were film cameras. I try not to waste shots, try to be discreet, try always to pre-visualize. If I need the photographic equivalent of a machine gun, I will use other equipment, or park the Viso on the camera.
I am sure this excellent review will recommend the camera to the purists in spirit.
Ed
Hi There Ed
I’m the same as you, and I’m not sure that I’m going to get an M11-D myself. As you say, I use my M11 pretty much like that anyway . . . . . Unless it really matters, at which point it’s good to be able to easily check the image. . . . On the other hand I do really feel that it’s a different experience shooting with this camera – there is a difference between ‘don’t’ and ‘can’t’!
All the best
Hi Jono… Enjoyed reading your review (I actually did that on your website yesterday). I have a question about white balance, please could you confirm my understanding that you cannot set it manually using a grey card anymore.
The manual suggests you cannot. It mentions
“Two options are available:
– automatic control
– fixed presets”
I wonder why Leica left it out though I’m sure a firmware fix should do it.
Hi there Mahesh
Glad you enjoyed it – that really is the point!
You can’t do a manual White Balance – but you can set presets. Personally I don’t think that grey card white balance is useful unless you are shooting in absolutely even lighting with static subjects (paintings for a catalogue for instance). . . . . And this really isn’t the camera for that sort of job.
I could write 50 pages about white balance (but I won’t do it here). What I do think is that it’s good to decide on a WB strategy for any shoot – I always use Daylight in, well, daylight, and Auto in mixed artificial light. Then treat the images like film stock . . . . . Which always has a fixed white balance . . .
At any rate, I’m sure they could sort this in firmware, but I’m pretty sure that they won’t!
All the best
A great review. Thank you very much.
I’m not sure I should thank you or Leica for making me laugh so hard I nearly had coffee coming out of my nose, when I read that this screenless camera can auto review through the evf…
I have to assume this is so people can brag they never chimp and secretly do it with every shot. You couldn’t make this stuff up. Really. Hysterical.
Sure is a pretty camera though.
If I asked nicely do you think they might make a monochrom version in black paint on brass?
If I asked even more nicely could we have different viewfinder magnifications?
Despite my previous comment I actually fancy a screenless M (and no evf), but I still think this version is too complicated, for example why do we need white balance, can’t it just be dng only and forget white balance altogether and then you can forget the jpeg and noise reduction settings also. Actually wasn’t one of the earlier versions dng only?
You’re right of course, this won’t appeal to everyone but some will love it.
Good to see someone else that also wants a m-d monocrom,
while at it, a removable baseplate as my M10 monochrom would also be prefered
Any monocrom M-D appreciated that said
Hi Vidar
I agree with you about a Monochrom version . . . But not about the removable baseplate. Having shot with an M11 for a couple of years and recently spent time with my M11 the removeable baseplate is charming, but fiddly, time consuming and makes it harder to weather seal. . .
All the best
Hi There Mark
You still specify White balance for DNG. Of course you can change it later, but you still need to pin it somewhere. I like to set ‘Daylight’ in daylight because it gives me a great starting point, and the images reflect the actual lighting (morning, evening, sunset etc).
The earlier -D variants (up to but not including M10-D) only allowed auto WB (pain in the ass!).
As for Black Paint on Brass – it’s heavier, wears quickly and clearly a stupid idea, but I would buy one in a heartbeat! Different viewfinder magnifications would be good too (then we could buy 3 of them!).
All the best
I am curious as to why the Auto White Balance was enough of a turn-off to stop you from buying an M-D (typ 262). Why would it matter if the camera only saved DNGs to the SD card and you never go to view anything on its screen?
I must admit remaining unconvinced about screenless Ms in general (especially if I have to pay extra), but I would have considered the M edition 60 and M-D as the closest to “essential digital Leica Ms”. Having to use Leica fotos on a smartphone to change settings or occasionally an EVF to frame images seems odd to me, and not really consistent with the whole film-like philosophy.
I guess this is not a camera for me. I am perfectly happy with my regular M10 with the auto-review turned off 🙂
The edition 60 was a good attempt. But for me it was hampered by then lack of strap lugs. You had to used the (supplied) half case in order to use a strap. Odd.
Hi there Nicolas
Because Auto WB means that the colour in each photograph is different – of course if you shoot only DNG you can change it easily – but if you just shot 1500 pictures at a wedding you don’t really want to be fiddling with the white balance on every file . . . . Added to which I want a fixed base for my colour – shooting daylight (or any WB) consistently is like using a film stock – you know what you’re getting, but more than that you really get to understand your camera’s colour response.
I agree that the M-D (Typ 262) was closest to the “essential Leica Ms”, but not that you have to use Fotos – at least more than once – with the original camera you had to use what you got – with the M11-D you can set it up just as you would like to use it with Fotos . . . . You aren’t just given what you’re given,
All the best